Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, China’s transport network—from the world’s largest high-speed rail system to its expansive domestic flight routes—is highly efficient. To ensure a smooth journey, foreign travelers must follow specific identity verification and booking protocols.
1. Essential Travel Documents
For all forms of public transport in China, your original passport is the only accepted form of identification for foreign nationals.
Validity: Your passport must be valid and contain a valid visa or residence permit (unless you are from a visa-exempt country or using a transit visa-free policy).
Carry it Always: You will need your physical passport for booking, check-in, security screenings, and boarding. Photocopies or digital images are generally not accepted at security checkpoints.
Digital Arrival Card: Starting November 2025, foreigners can fill out their Arrival Card online via the "NIA 12367" app or official website before entry. Keeping a digital copy of your entry stamp or QR code is recommended.
2. Booking Train Tickets: High-Speed Rail (HSR)
China’s trains use an e-ticket system linked directly to your passport number. There is no longer a need for paper tickets.
How to Book:
Official App (12306): The Railway 12306 app now has a robust English version. You must register with your passport details and an email address. International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted on this platform.
Trip.com (Recommended for Ease): This is the most popular third-party platform for foreigners. It offers a seamless English interface, accepts international payments, and provides 24/7 English customer support for a small service fee.
In-Person: You can buy tickets at any train station ticket window. You must present the original passports for all passengers.
Boarding Process:
Entry: At the station entrance, look for the "Manual Channel" (manual check-in). While Chinese ID holders use automated gates, foreigners must have their passports swiped or manually checked by staff.
Security: All luggage must pass through X-ray machines.
Boarding: When your train is called, use the manual gate at the platform entrance to show your passport.
3. Booking Domestic Flights
Domestic air travel is ideal for long-distance trips (e.g., Beijing to Shenzhen or Shanghai to Chengdu).
How to Book:
Platforms: Use Trip.com, Official Airline Apps (Air China, China Eastern, etc.), or Alipay/WeChat Pay travel mini-programs.
Name Matching: Crucial Legal Tip: Your name on the ticket must exactly match the machine-readable zone (MRZ) of your passport. If your passport says SMITH JOHN ALAN, do not book as JOHN SMITH. Differences in middle names can lead to being denied boarding.
At the Airport:
Check-in: Use the manual counters. Self-service kiosks often do not support foreign passports for initial check-in unless you have a frequent flyer profile with that airline.
Security: Present your passport and boarding pass (digital or paper). Security in China is rigorous; power banks must have clearly marked capacities (usually under 100Wh/20,000mAh) to be allowed on board.
4. Digital Payments: The "Must-Haves"
In 2025, China is almost entirely cashless. To book tickets on the go, you should set up:
Alipay or WeChat Pay: Both now allow you to link international Visa or Mastercard accounts. These apps have built-in "Transport" sections for booking trains, flights, and even hailing Didi (China's Uber).
Identity Verification: These apps will require you to upload a photo of your passport bio-page for "Real-Name Verification" before you can use travel booking services.
5. Legal Compliance & Safety Tips
Registration of Stay: Remember that every time you stay in a new city, your hotel will register your presence with the local PSB (Public Security Bureau). If you stay in a private residence, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours.
Visa Status: Always ensure your visa has not expired. Transportation officials and hotel staff are required by law to check your visa validity; overstaying can result in fines and being barred from purchasing further travel tickets.
How HireLawFirm.com Can Help
If you encounter legal issues regarding identity theft, visa complications during travel, or disputes with transportation providers in China, our bilingual legal team is ready to assist.
Website: www.hirelawfirm.cn Professional Legal Support for International Travelers.
